CHAPTER 6

Launching the New Nation

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CHAPTER 6

Section 1 – Washington Heads the New Government

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Washington at the Helm Washington at the Helm • George Washington, commanding

general of Continental Army during Revolution, unanimous choice to be the first president

• Constitution provided strong foundation, but lacked details

• Washington and his admin. would have to figure out a lot on their own

• Needed to figure how to…

1. Raise $ and manage economy

2. Provide for defense

3. Set up a court system

• Set many important precedents

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Washington’s Cabinet Washington’s Cabinet • In 1789 Congress created the

first four executive departments

• The heads of each of these departments made up the first cabinet – a group of advisors to the president

• Secretary of State Thomas Jefferson

• Secretary of Treasury Alexander Hamilton

• Secretary of War Henry Knox

• Attorney General Edmund Randolph

Alexander Hamilton Alexander Hamilton

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Creating the Courts Creating the Courts • Constitution said little

about the structure of the judicial branch

• Congress passed the Judiciary Act of 1789 to establish structure of the courts

• Established three levels of the Federal Judiciary- Supreme Court- Federal Courts of Appeals- Federal District Court

• Supreme Court included 6 justices including a Chief Justice (today it is 9 justices)

• West v. Barnes - 1791 President Chart

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John Jay John Jay

11stst Chief Justice of Chief Justice of Supreme CourtSupreme Court

Hamilton’s Economic Hamilton’s Economic Plan Plan

• U.S. incurred millions of $ of debt from Revolution – some to other countries, some to U.S. citizens (bonds)

• Hamilton’s Plan Calls For... 1. Fed. government to assume

individual state debts2. Bonds to be repaid in full by

National government3. National Bank

• Many in South opposed plan – felt it favored the North

• Northern and southern states strike a deal – Hamilton’s plan passes and capital moves to Washington D.C.

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Hamilton’s Economic Hamilton’s Economic Plan Plan

• Debate over Hamilton’s plan led to rift in Washington’s cabinet, formation of first political parties

• Hamilton and supporters of plan become Federalists, Jefferson and opponents of plan become Democratic-Republicans

• Biggest divide over National Bank proposal

• Federalists believe Elastic Clause (Art. I Sec. 8) gives Congress power to create bank – “loose” interpretation of Constitution

• Dem-Rep oppose bank, believe in “strict” interpretation

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The Whiskey Rebellion The Whiskey Rebellion • In 1791 Hamilton’s proposed

tax on the manufacture of American whiskey passed in Congress

• Western farmers were outraged by the tax, and in 1794 the Whiskey Rebellion took place in western Pennsylvania

• Washington sent in 13,000 troops to stop the rebellion

• Demonstrates the ability of the new government to enforce federal law

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Federalists Federalists

• Believed in strong central government

• Economy based on business/industry

• Loose interpretation of Constitution

• Led by Hamilton, John Adams

• Most from Northeast

• Bankers, artisans, merchants

• Supported English

• Believed in states’ rights

• Economy based on farming – agrarianism

• Strict interpretation of Constitution

• Led by Jefferson, Madison

• Most from South and West

• Farmers

• Support French

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Democratic Democratic Republicans Republicans

Hamiltonian vs. Jeffersonian

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Manufacturing NationManufacturing Nation

Trinity Church Trinity Church

New York, NYNew York, NY

Citizen FarmerCitizen Farmer

Monticello Monticello

Charlottesville, VACharlottesville, VA

Washington’s Foreign Washington’s Foreign PolicyPolicy

• French Revolution begins in 1789

• Radicals gain control, Britain and France go to war again in 1792

• Washington issues proclamation of neutrality

Presidents Chart

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Jay’s Treaty Jay’s Treaty • Britain began seizing

American ships, inciting Native Americans

• Washington sends John Jay to Britain in attempt to avoid war

• GB removed troops in NW Terr., settled border disputes – no discussion of impressment or innocent bystanders during war

• Republicans unhappy with treaty, but Washington ratifies – prevents war with GB

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Conflict with Native Conflict with Native Americans Americans

• Indian Confederacy forms in Northwest Territory led by Chief Little Turtle

• Washington sends Gen. “Mad Anthony” Wayne to put down resistance

• Wayne defeats Native Americans at the Battle of Fallen Timbers in southern Ohio

• Ended resistance in Northwest Territory

Presidents Chart

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Election of 1796 Election of 1796

• After 2 terms, Washington decides step down and retire

• In his famous Farewell Address to the American people, he warns against sectionalism, political parties, and foreign alliances

Presidents Chart

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